When New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady fell to the ground, clutching his left knee, it sent shockwaves through preseason training camps everywhere.

Lucky for him, it turned out to be a bruised knee and not much more. Others haven't been so fortunate. In the first week of training camp alone there were eight season-ending injuries.

It only got worse from there.

It's football, so injuries happen. Antrel Rolle, Jamaal Charles and Manti Te'o are just a few who have or will miss time with injuries they'll bounce back from. Many more are out indefinitely.

Redskins rookie safety Phillip Thomas is out after foot surgery. Plaxico Burress may be at the end of his run after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. Add them to the list that includes the likes of Percy Harvin, Jeremy Maclin and many more.

In short, by the time it's over, this could be the worst bout of training camp injuries seen in years.

Here's the casualty list and more important at this point—the players who'll replace them:

What it means to him: Veldheer, the starter at that critical position and genuine jewel for the Raiders’ brain trust, could end up on the injured reserve/designated to return list, so it’s not all bleak. Early on, his injury was compared to Ray Lewis’s, and after he was injured in October, Lewis returned for the playoffs in January.

Impact on team: For a team that’s considered to have one of the shakiest quarterback situations in the NFL (if not the shakiest), losing arguably its best offensive player and the one who protects the blind side is disastrous. The accounts of Matt Flynn’s disappointing camp so far continue to grow. Having Veldheer absent doesn’t help.

Forecast: Journeyman Alex Barron reportedly has the lead to fill in for Veldheer; that cuts into the depth on the other side, since he was competing to start at right tackle, too. The Raiders’ best hope is that the more-optimistic reports about Veldheer’s rehab are correct.

What it means to him: Johnson, unfortunately, moved into contention for the most nauseating injury of the preseason, suffered during the joint practice with the Bengals before their preseason opener. An ambulance took him from the field. He underwent surgery a week later. At 26 he has lots of career left, but with the expectations for him this season, next year will be a re-start.

Impact on team: The biggest offseason move the Falcons made was signing running back Steven Jackson, so the line was going to be in the spotlight. They can’t afford to lose starters. Head coach Mike Smith had few complaints about the work on the right side against the Bengals, but time will tell how much they miss Johnson, if only because they didn’t have great options behind him.

Forecast: Lamar Holmes started at right tackle in his place against Cincinnati and was expected to do the same in their second preseason game in Baltimore. The next two players on the depth chart at the position are undrafted rookies, Alec Savoie and Jeff Nady.

What it means to him: Thomas, a fourth-round pick and one of three rookies contending to start in the secondary, was injured in the first quarter of the first preseason game in Tennessee. It’s unclear if it’s as severe as the one that has kept Jets WR Santonio Holmes out of all of training camp after injuring it nearly 11 months ago.

Impact on team: If the Redskins were loaded with ready safety replacements, they wouldn’t have drafted two and penciled them in to start. The secondary was already in transition and lagging behind a solid front seven. Even this early in his career, losing Thomas is a significant blow.

Forecast: Next up at strong safety is Brandon Meriweather, who is still limited in practice while recovering from torn knee ligaments last preseason. There’s also Reed Doughty, who’s been plugged in multiple times in emergencies over the years and finds a way to stay valuable to the coaches.

What it means to him: Burress’s career may be over. His 36th birthday was the day he reportedly was to undergo surgery. He was not a lock to make the team even before the injury; he was on a veteran’s minimum contract for this season after signing late last season. The two seasons he lost (2009, ’10) after shooting himself and spending time in prison loom even larger now that he’s this close to the end.

Impact on team: Burress was the butt of plenty of jokes during his brief stint with the Jets two seasons ago, but with his diminished skills he caught eight touchdown passes. If he was capable of being a threat in the red zone in the same way now, then this is a loss for the Steelers, who are remaking their receiving corps without Mike Wallace.

Forecast: The two wide receivers the Steelers drafted, Markus Wheaton (third round) and Justin Brown (sixth) move up the depth chart. Brown led the Steelers with four catches in their preseason opener, which likely means little considering the rest of the offense was fairly listless. Veteran Jerricho Cotchery also has more of a chance.

What it means to him: Hayden had become a fixture in the Bears’ secondary last year, his first season there, and had only missed one game in the last three seasons after an injury-checkered career previously in Indianapolis and Atlanta. He injured the hamstring August 3, but the severity wasn’t confirmed until four days later.

Impact on team: The depth Hayden provided won’t be easy to replace. The Bears’ secondary looked very solid with Hayden available as the third corner – and his habit of making big plays and turning them into points (he had a memorable pick-six in the Super Bowl for the Colts) fit their mindset.

Forecast: Zach Bowman, who has been more of a special-teamer in his five previous seasons with the Bears, and Sherrick McManis, in his second season in Chicago after two in Houston, are the most experienced replacements. Isaiah Frey spent all of his rookie season last year on the practice squad, but reportedly has had a spectacular camp.

What it means to him: Morgan was hurt in practice while being tackled by a teammate, rookie safety Kenny Vaccaro. It’s his second season-ending knee injury in a three-season career that began as an undrafted rookie. Morgan was poised for a possible breakout this season after managing to make some noise last season with just 10 catches (for 379 yards and three touchdowns).

Impact on team: The wide receiver spot will look a lot different than it did just a few years ago; Morgan was part of that transition. Lance Moore is now locked in with Marques Colston, and Devery Henderson was phased out (now in Washington), a year after Robert Meachem (Chargers) was. Now there will be even more new faces.

Forecast: Veteran Steve Breaston was quickly signed to replace Morgan on the roster. Other young receivers now get a chance at more time: second-year Nick Toon, son of former Jets great Al, and fifth-round pick Kenny Stills are getting every opportunity to move up.

What it means to him: On his fifth team (including the Cowboys twice) and entering his 12th season, the 34-year-old Coleman is closer to the end than the beginning. He also missed a chunk of last year with a torn triceps. Still, it seems that as long as Rob Ryan is still running the Saints’ defense, his former run-stopping end in Dallas will be, too.

Impact on team: Coleman was brought in by Ryan to help ease the transition for the players to Ryan’s defense, and the whole world knows the Saints’ D needs all the help it can get. Even if Coleman wasn’t going to be an every-down playmaker, his absence will be felt.

Forecast: If second-year Akiem Hicks moves into Coleman’s spot, the Saints lose 10 years of experience but gain some 30 pounds (Hicks is listed at 324). Third-year Cameron Jordan appears set in stone at the other end. There appears to be no plan for now to move veteran Will Smith back to the line after switching him to outside linebacker in Ryan’s 3-4 scheme.

What it means to him: Zordich, an anchor at Penn State during its probation-riddled season last year, was an undrafted rookie for the Panthers who was listed as the backup fullback but was likely to make the team based on special-teams play. He injured his knee in the preseason opener against the Bears.

Impact on team: The Panthers will likely sign another fullback, as starter Mike Tolbert is the only player on the roster at the position. Head coach Ron Rivera had said Zordich was having “a great camp” before the injury.

Forecast: The fact that there were only two fullbacks on the depth chart indicates that the Panthers had a small role in mind for the rookie Zordich. If he’s fortunate, that role will still be there for him next season.

What it means to him: Bulaga missed the last seven regular-season games and the playoff game with a fractured hip, so this season was to be a fresh start for him. He was being flipped from right tackle to left, to protect Aaron Rodgers’ blindside after the Packers’ line led the NFL in sacks given up last season. There was brief hope he’d either avoid surgery or come back late in the season, but the Packers made it official Wednesday: season-ending surgery.

Impact on team: As big a loss as any team, at least any contender, has suffered. Rodgers is now locked in for $54 million guaranteed, and the Packers had shuffled the line to protect the investment. Hours after the severity of Bulaga’s injury was revealed, news also broke that the Packers were trying out a veteran backup for Rodgers—Vince Young signed later that day.

Forecast: David Bakhtiari, a fourth-round pick from Colorado in April, got the first shot at replacing Bulaga in practice. initially, last year’s left tackle, Marshall Newhouse, was kept in his new right-tackle spot. That all could change, of course. In light of all of that and other factors, don’t expect more than a cameo from Rodgers in the preseason opener Friday against Arizona. Not a good scenario all around.

What it means to him: Benn only played eight games last season in Tampa Bay because of knee problems, and got hurt on the first day of practice with the Eagles—but he seemed healthy and in contention to start on the very day he returned on Tuesday. He blew out his knee in a special-teams drill. He caught just four balls last season and 59 in his career.

Impact on team: It solidified the chances of the embattled Riley Cooper to get the starting job as Jeremy Maclin’s replacement. Afte DeSean Jackson and Jason Avant, the rest of the wide receivers on the Eagles roster don’t have a single 30-catch season among them.

Forecast: Whoever gets the starting quarterback job will begin with limited targets, which puts pressure on him and on running back LeSean McCoy’s whose role will expand under Chip Kelly. Third-year Greg Salas and second-year Ifeanyi Momah (who’s 6-7) have a chance to make the team.

What it means to him: Alexander had previously torn an ACL four times, three times in college and once during practice for the Senior Bowl. After being released by his original NFL team, the Rams, last season, he had something of a breakout in San Diego and was in position to start for new coach Mike McCoy.

Impact on team: The Chargers do have veteran receivers, but Alexander was a big piece of the puzzle, and the player they were most confident in relying on. Alexander tied for team lead in touchdown catches with seven, was second in yards and averaged nearly 18 yards a catch.

Forecast: Left to pick up the slack for Alexander are, among others, Eddie Royal and Robert Meachem, who have had better days. Vincent Brown, coming back from a season-ending broken ankle last preseason, will get first crack at starting in his place. Keenan Allen, the rookie from Cal, has a chance to move up.

What it means to him: The 49ers beefed up their secondary in the offseason with CB Nnamdi Asomugha, but Culliver was in the race to return to his role last season as the third cornerback. His road looked smoother when trade acquisition Eric Wright couldn't pass his physical. Now Culliver is done, though, after getting hurt on a punt coverage drill.

Impact on team: That secondary looked a lot better with Culliver as an option. Asomugha apparently isn’t going to unseat Carlos Rogers or Tarell Brown and wasn’t necessarily about to take time away from Culliver or Tramaine Brock. Suffice it to say the 49ers' elite-level pass rush had better be up to the task.

Forecast: Wright’s name has been thrown around again, after he was practically given to the 49ers by Tampa Bay before flunking his physical. But if Asomugha at least approaches the level he played at before his Eagles debacle, the 49ers will be fine with he and Brock as backup corners.

What it means to him: Harvin arrived in Seattle with a “brittle” label, but this is far more serious than anything he dealt with in Minnesota. Financially, he won (getting a huge contract extension as part of the deal), and he’s still young, but he may lose an entire season of his prime.

Impact on team: The Seahawks didn’t pay big to get him just to be a complementary piece—he was supposed to be the big-play maker on offense and special teams that would put them past equally-loaded San Francisco and Atlanta in the NFC. They won’t be a washout without him, but they won’t be special, either.

Forecast: Fourth-round pick Chris Harper has a chance to shine in Harvin’s absence at wide receiver. If Sidney Rice returns healthy to go along with Golden Tate, that position will be fine. But Harvin was also a threat out of the backfield and on kicks. Replacing that is a bigger problem.

What it means to him: Maclin is in the final year of his rookie contract, and because of injuries he played every game only once in his first four seasons. Yet with all the chaos in Andy Reid’s swan-song season, he led the team in catches, yards and touchdowns.

Impact on team: One of the many weapons the league was intrigued to see how new coach Chip Kelly would use. Whoever the starting quarterback will be, Maclin would have been a major target and playmaker, arguably the biggest, depending on how engaged DeSean Jackson would be.

Forecast: The Eagles didn’t need this, not with the new coach, new offense, possible new quarterback and wildly-fluctuating expectations. He’s no perennial Pro Bowler, but he’s tough to replace. Riley Cooper will try to do the job.

What it means to him: Pitta was poised to have a breakout year, with one of Joe Flacco’s prime targets, Anquan Boldin, banished to San Francisco. Also, with the attrition at tight end in New England, the path was clear for him to be, at least, the best at the position in the AFC.

Impact on the team: Crushing. Pitta got better as last season went on, was downright dangerous in their postseason run, and now would have an even bigger role. Ed Dickson has been very good, but not as good as expected so far. They’ll need to find someone to replace those catches, especially on third down and in the red zone.

Forecast: No Boldin, Pitta or Vonta Leach (for now) from last year? Flacco will be earning his fat contract early. Dickson will become the primary pass-catching tight end, while Vishanthe Schiancoe replaces him on the field.

What it means to him: This is his 11th season, and he turns 34 a few days after the season opener (which, of course, he’ll miss). He was around for four Patriots’ Super Bowl trips, including two wins. He had a window to get to another one snapping to Peyton Manning in Denver, after a great chance got away last season. Now, this year’s chance is gone.

Impact on the team: The Broncos are really hurting at center now; Koppen was the guy stepping in for J.D. Walton early last season, and Walton still may not return until October, reports say.

Forecast: Someone floated the idea of Jeff Saturday leaving the ESPN studio and reuniting with Manning in Denver. That’s how bad this is. There just aren’t Super Bowl-caliber centers clogging up teams’ depth charts right now. Ex-Seahawk Steve Vallos signed with the team Sunday night.

What it means to him: Crawford showed signs of real promise as a rookie last season, and new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin had plans for him in his new 4-3 scheme. He was expected to play some tackle as well. The good news: Players return from this injury often and pick up where they left off (ask Terrell Suggs).

Impact on the team: Not quite devastating, but the Cowboys are really hurting along the line, after doing little to address it in the offseason even while changing from a 3-4.

Forecast: Fortunately for the Cowboys, their other injured linemen will be back this season, likely by the regular-season opener. Second-year DE Ben Bass moves up the depth chart, and free agent George Selvie signed last week.

What it means to him: Spencer’s knee has bothered him since last season, and it flared up again during pre-camp conditioning drills. He’s also flexible enough to move around on the Cowboys’ reconfigured line, and the surgery was actually overdue.

Impact on the team: Missing all of the first training camp in a new scheme under a new coordinator isn’t a positive. But Spencer has performed for them before. His absence is a problem, but they have bigger problems at the position.

Forecast: DeMarcus Ware had better continue to be a beast at his new position on the line—especially since the lack of depth will probably mean no shortage of double- or triple-teams.

What it means to him: The Redskins like him a lot, and for good reason. As a rookie last season, he was showing promise until he tore his right pectoral on Thanksgiving against Dallas. They have the patience with, and confidence in, Robinson to give him a chance when he returns and is cleared.

Impact on the team: London Fletcher appears not to be slowing down at age 38, in his 16th season, but depth inside wouldn’t hurt, nor would grooming a replacement. Robinson still believes he can return late this season, but the Redskins have enough issues with certain players trying to get back from injury too fast.

Forecast: Washington actually has bigger problems on defense, particularly on the line. But Robinson has a bright future if he comes back at full strength. Bryan Kehl is in camp. He was signed last year to replace Robinson when he tore his other pectoral muscle.

What it means to him: Berry was trying to take advantage of his NFL second-chance after the Lions cut him following an arrest-spotted offseason last year and a personal-conduct suspension. He’s valuable as an extra defensive back, when he’s healthy and he’s not sabotaging himself. He’ll have to wait a year to prove that, though.

Forecast: Rex Ryan has vowed to pay more attention to his specialty, the defense, this season. If he can’t get enough healthy or experienced players over there, no amount of hands-on work will help. At best, Berry was looking at the No. 4 CB job behind Milliner, Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson. Darrin Walls and Isaiah Trufant, brother of Marcus and Desmond, move up.

What it means to him: Binns was moving up the depth chart, looked great in OTAs and minicamp and got lots of reps and attention early in camp. He was a late-season waiver pickup last season from the Bengals and in two seasons has 24 career catches.

Impact on the team: The biggest reason given for quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s struggles last season was an utter lack of talent to throw to. That was due to change this year, and Binns was an unexpected part of it.

Forecast: There are a lot of wideouts who come from where Binns did, but it’s up to them to get themselves noticed and onto the Dolphins staff’s radar the way Binns did. He likely wasn’t headed for the Pro Bowl, but this didn’t help. Brandon Gibson (spent four years with the Rams) is the first to benefit, then Marvin McNutt.

What it means to him: Mouton needed for this to be a breakout year; as a second-round pick two years ago he hasn’t stayed healthy, and he needed to impress Mike McCoy and the new coaching staff. He was waived-injured and will likely land on injured reserve once he clears waivers, but depending on how the linebackers perform this year, Mouton could be looking for a new team next year.

Impact on the team: One of the players he was battling for playing time this season is second-round pick Manti Te’o, who has looked as good as expected in offseason work and early in camp. The defense in general is getting an overhaul.

Forecast: Mouton might be the player made most vulnerable by a season-ending injury. Te'o definitely gets a much better chance at playing.

What it means to him: Miller got a little bit of a look as a late-round pick in his rookie year last year. Nobody was saying, “As Ryan Miller goes, so go the Browns.” But he did suffer the most disturbing injury of camp so far when he fell from a helmet-to-helmet collision, lay on the turf for some 10 minutes and had to be taken away by ambulance.

Impact on the team: The players were shaken badly by the entire scene, as would be expected. Miller was released from the hospital the next day, but there is no report on when he will return to practice or play.

Forecast: Miller is fairly marginal for roster purposes, but does have a chance to make the team and play— whenever he’s cleared, assuming he won’t suffer post-concussion symptoms that will derail that.